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Dumpster size calculator: cubic yards and weight

Estimate the volume and weight of your debris pile and the smallest roll-off dumpster that fits it.

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Volume to plan for

17.1 yd³

Smallest dumpster that fits (yards)

20

Approximate weight

3.6 tons

Pile volume without margin
14.2 yd³

Picking the right dumpster

Rent a dumpster that is too small and you pay for a second haul. Rent one that is too big and you pay for empty space. Measuring your debris first takes a few minutes and avoids both.

The calculation

  1. Measure the pile, or the room or area you will tear out, in feet.
  2. Multiply length × width × average height to get cubic feet.
  3. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
  4. Add a margin of about 20%, because debris never packs perfectly.
  5. Choose the smallest dumpster that holds that volume.

Worked example

A pile of mixed renovation debris 12 ft × 8 ft × 4 ft:

  1. Volume: 12 × 8 × 4 = 384 cubic feet = 14.2 cubic yards.
  2. With a 20% margin: 17.1 cubic yards.
  3. Smallest dumpster that fits: 20 yards.
  4. Weight at about 500 lb per cubic yard: roughly 3.6 tons.

Common sizes

Size Typical use
10 yards bathroom remodel, roofing, concrete or soil
15 yards small kitchen remodel, garage cleanout
20 yards flooring or roof replacement on an average house
30 yards major renovation, addition
40 yards new construction, whole-house cleanout

Exact dimensions vary by company, but a 20-yard dumpster is often about 22 ft long, 8 ft wide and 4 ft high.

Watch the weight

Rental prices usually include a weight allowance, often 2 to 4 tons for a 20-yard dumpster, with a fee per ton above it. Heavy materials change everything:

Material Approx. weight per cubic yard
Household junk 250 lb
Yard waste 350 lb
Mixed renovation debris 500 lb
Roofing shingles 1,000 lb
Brick and concrete rubble 2,400 lb
Soil 2,500 lb

Most haulers require a 10-yard dumpster for concrete, brick or soil, and some ask that it be loaded only partway.

Before you rent

  • Check whether your city requires a permit to place a dumpster on the street.
  • Ask which items are banned: paint, tires, batteries, appliances with refrigerant and hazardous waste usually need separate disposal.
  • Protect your driveway with plywood under the dumpster’s rollers.
  • Keep the load level with the top edge; overfilled dumpsters cannot be hauled.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know what size dumpster I need?

Measure the pile of debris, multiply length × width × height and divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. Add a margin of about 20%, then pick the smallest dumpster that holds that volume.

What sizes do roll-off dumpsters come in?

The common sizes are 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 cubic yards. A 10-yard bin suits a small bathroom remodel or heavy material, while 30 and 40 yards are for large renovations and new construction.

Why do heavy materials need a small dumpster?

Concrete, brick and soil weigh well over a ton per cubic yard, so a full large dumpster would exceed truck limits. Haulers usually require a 10-yard bin for them and charge by the ton above an included weight.

How much does a cubic yard of debris weigh?

It varies widely: household junk is light, around 250 to 300 lb per cubic yard, mixed renovation debris about 500 lb and broken concrete or soil 2,300 to 2,500 lb.

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Results are estimates provided for information purposes. They do not replace professional advice.

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